Surrey Police Warn Against M25 Protests

Surrey Police have said they are ready to respond to any potential protests from campaign group 'Just Stop Oil' or any other activist organisation in the run up to Christmas

Almost a month later from the 23 arrests of Just Stop Oil protestors on the M25, there is concern amongst locals and the police service about another potential rise in protests made in the build up to Christmas.

'Surrey Police remains ready and able to respond to protest activity'

Police described previous escapades of the activist group, including playing dead in the roads and climbing gantries, as ‘criminality’.

As a result, the High Court imposed an injunction on the M25 to make protests punishable by imprisonment until 15th of November. Despite this injunction being extended on 28th November, with Christmas fast approaching, concerns of road safety and ruined holiday plans amongst commuters and locals have become increasingly vocal.

Surrey Police have given the following statement:

‘Surrey Police remains ready and able to respond to protest activity, whether that be from Just Stop Oil or other organisations. Dealing with protests safely and proportionately means that this sometimes takes time and we understand that this can cause frustration, however our main concern is the safety of everyone involved. Please be assured that when dealing with protests, we carefully consider the impact on everybody involved and where the law is being broken, will respond quickly and robustly as we have done in recent months.’